184 energy supply companies from Germany and Austria were surveyed for the analysis. Most of them have the topic of electromobility on the radar. For example, more than three quarters have already installed charging stations. So far, however, only a small minority has dealt with smart services or e-car sharing. Nevertheless, 95% of respondents believe that the importance of electromobility will continue to increase for their business and industry.

However, consistent action or strategies are still lacking. Sticking to the example of the charging stations, around half of the surveyed energy companies have a maximum of five charging stations in operation. And the willingness to make further investments is overall “not very high,” according to the study. The main reasons given are low earnings prospects or insufficient market volume.

According to the PwC consultants , the energy companies could be a “real driving force” for electromobility if the regulatory framework changes. At present, however, the development of charging infrastructures is often not profitable. This could change as a result of the transfer of costs to network charges or a more pragmatic use of funds. In fact, the charging station subsidy of the Federal Ministry of Transport came under fire in April 2018. As heise.de reports, the program is only accepted by a few market participants. In addition, especially the large energy suppliers would benefit from the state funds.